Slow Growth, Real Change

“We shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.” Ephesians 4:13 (GNT)

Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It’s a journey that will last a lifetime!

This is how it works: Every day God wants me to become a little more like him. As the Bible says, “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Today people are obsessed with speed. But God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. I might want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. Maybe I'm looking for a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release me from all growing pains.

But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Message paraphrase says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

People often build their identity around their defects. I might even tell myself I can’t change, saying, “It’s just the way I am.”

The unconscious worry is that if I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, I won’t know who I am anymore. This fear can slow, or even stop, my growth.

So how do I let go of those old habits and grow to be more like Christ? How do I conform my character to his? By developing Christ-like habits to replace those old habits.

Your character is the sum total of my habits—and habits take time to develop. I can’t claim to be kind unless I am habitually kind, showing kindness without even thinking about it. I can’t claim to have integrity unless it is my habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! My habits define my character.

There’s just one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: I have to practice them, over and over, until they become part of my identity. And that takes time!

But over time, myself—and the people around me—will see the difference. As Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).  

In Summary:

Discipleship is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, growing daily toward spiritual maturity—not through quick fixes or single powerful experiences, but through steady, intentional transformation over time. God is far more concerned with depth, strength, and stability than speed, gradually renewing us as we let go of old identities rooted in habits, hurts, and fears. True character change happens as Christ-like habits replace old ones, because our habits ultimately define who we are. As I consistently practice qualities like kindness, integrity, and faithfulness, they become part of my identity, and over time both myself and others can clearly see the progress God is shaping in us.

Bottom line: 

Becoming like Christ is a lifelong process of steady, intentional growth, formed through daily practice—not quick fixes or single moments.

Next steps:    

Commit to one small, repeatable action that forms both my character and my platform at the same time.